Crown Resorts has hit out at the ‘sensationalist’ media reporting that claimed the company flouted visa rules to bring Chinese high rollers into Australia.
Australian media made claims Crown used travel agents with links to drug traffickers and knowingly allowed money laundering at casinos.
The claims have led to an investigation by the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.
Crown management issued an open letter which was released by the Australian Securities Exchange refuting the allegations.
"Much of this unbalanced and sensationalized reporting is based on unsubstantiated allegations, exaggerations, unsupported connections and outright falsehoods," it said.
"Crown has not sought to circumvent visa requirements or compromise any process of identification or verification for immigration purposes."
The letter was jointly signed by executives including chairman John Alexander.
They described the reports as ‘deceitful’ with the singular purpose of trying to damage its reputation.
The scandal, if proven, could reverberate as far as Macau.
Macau’s gaming regulator is keep a close watch on developments in Australia.
Macau casino resort operator Melco is buying a significant stake in Crown but this could now be in jeopardy.
